State of Alaska Archives: on Health Care

Bill Walker:
Expand Medicaid as long as federal funds continue

Proper health care solutions will recognize the challenges that small businesses face with availability and affordability of coverage and the opportunities for individuals who, because of their occupations (e.g. commercial fishermen), pre-existing
conditions, or exhaustion of lifetime limits, are without coverage.

I support the Medicaid expansion with the caveat of continued Federal funding. This is due to the sheer economics of Alaskans paying for the expansion in Federal taxes and increased
premiums now that we have rejected the expansion. Moreover, 4,000 new Alaska jobs would be created and lower-cost coverage for 40,000-plus Alaskans would be provided and Alaskans have already paid for this coverage.
By rejecting the expansion, Gov. Parnell supported the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by forcing uninsured Alaskans into ACA exchanges. As governor, I would reverse this and accept the Medicaid expansion.

Cean Stevens:
Do not expand Medicaid under ObamaCare

Q: Do you support or oppose expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act?

A: I do not support expanding Medicaid.
One big reason is the funding formula for Medicaid pays higher than Medicare which means many of our senior citizens would be less apt to receive the services they deserve. These citizens are our most vulnerable.

Source: Alaska Dispatch News on 2016 Alaska Senate race
Oct 29, 2014

Joe Miller:
Repeal ObamaCare; it's not a government responsibility

Question topic: It is the government's responsibility to be sure everyone has health care and a livable income.

Miller: Strongly Disagree

Question topic: The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) should be repealed by Congress.

Dan Sullivan:
AdWatch: Washington is broken; including ObamaCare

An Alaska-based super PAC supporting one of Democratic Sen. Mark Begich's Republican challengers is launching its first three ads of the campaign. The radio ads are an opening salvo for the group, Alaska's Energy/America's Values, which backs former
Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan. The group spent about $12,000 to air the ads over the next five days in Anchorage and Matanuska Valley.

Each of the three 60-second ads mentions Begich's support of ObamaCare. One also notes the incumbent's
support of Obama's appointees, and questions where he stands on an oil tax rewrite referendum in the state this year.

"Today the American dream is being suffocated, and Senator Mark Begich is part of the problem," the ad's announcer says in one.
It goes on to introduce Sullivan, who is also a former state attorney general and lieutenant colonel in the Marine Reserves, and includes an audio clip of Sullivan saying, "Washington is broken."

The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced a fresh round in an expected torrent of campaign ads targeting Begich and other Democrats for their part in the "lie of the year," an assurance that people could keep existing health coverage under
ObamaCare.

"So what's your New Year's resolution?" a woman says on the Alaska version, as "Auld Land Syne" plays softly in the background. "Here's one you can keep. Resolve to keep Sen. Mark Begich honest in 2014."

The ads are hammering Begich and
other Democrats who, along with Pres. Obama, said something to the effect of "if you like your plan, you can keep it." As it turns out, insurance plans that lack key benefits will be canceled after this year. In 2009 Begich said, "Alaskans who have
health insurance now, and are happy with it, can keep it."

"The purpose of these ads is to highlight the fact Mark Begich and President Obama lied about people being able to keep their insurance and doctors under ObamaCare," the RNC said.

Mark Begich:
AdWatch: Begich supports ObamaCare for Alaskans

Last month, an anti-Begich TV ad from Americans for Prosperity, a group linked to the Koch brothers, conservative billionaires. Now a pro-Begich super PAC has responded.

The anti-Begich ad featured an unnamed woman with long reddish hair in a kitchen,
tying Begich to the Affordable Care Act. "Sen. Begich didn't listen. How can I ever trust him again? It just isn't fair," the woman said.

The new TV spot also features a woman with long reddish hair, also in a kitchen, but her name appears on screen.
She's Megan Collie, of Anchorage. "That ad, attacking Sen. Begich? It turns out she's an actress, from Washington, DC, pretending to be from Alaska. I'm not an actress. I live here and I trust Mark Begich. He's trying to fix the healthcare law," she said
in the new TV spot.

The message is the first public appearance of a Super PAC called Put Alaska First, which spent nearly $100,000 on it. While his ad emphasizes its Alaska bona fides, the group acknowledges he's paying for it with out-of-state money.

Source: KTOO AdWatch on 2014 Alaska Senate race
Dec 12, 2013

Mark Begich:
AdWatch: Targeted by RNC robocalls for support of ObamaCare

Sen. Mark Begich is among 11 Democrats targeted by the Republican National Committee for their support of ObamaCare. The RNC is using robocalls and posting on Facebook to urge people to call their representatives and ask "why they supported
President Obama's lie that people could keep their healthcare plans under ObamaCare."

"President Obama and the Democrats said you could keep your healthcare plan under ObamaCare. Now we know [SENATOR] actually VOTED to make it more
difficult. Call [SENATOR] at (XXX)-XXX-XXX & ask why [he/she] lied."

The robocalls are a response to Democrats launching the "GOP Shutdown Watch" campaign, highlighting Republican senate candidates who supported the partial federal government shutdown.

Mead Treadwell:
I will work to repeal ObamaCare

America's healthcare system needs reform but ObamaCare is not the reform we need. I will work to repeal ObamaCare.
Already businesses across the country are dropping coverage for spouses, cutting back hours for their employees and insurance premiums are up. Their idea: more government dependence.
This is unacceptable. ObamaCare is making it harder for Alaskans to support their families and it is a dangerous program that we cannot afford.

Real healthcare reform must be bipartisan and encourage innovation and competition in the healthcare system. We need to empower individuals with choices, not burden them with more government mandates and more government dependence.

Joe Miller:
Embrace threat of federal shutdown to defund ObamaCare

Nearly every Republican candidate running for Senate in 2014 backs the GOP's push to use the threat of a government shutdown to defund ObamaCare--a sign of how popular they believe the plan is with conservative primary voters.
Those supporting the GOP strategy include Alaska Tea Party candidate Joe Miller (R).

Two notable exceptions are former South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) and Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Mead Treadwell (R), who have not fully embraced the efforts.
Treadwell, who is facing Miller, said he supports "any attempt to defund and repeal ObamaCare" but that "shutting down the government is not a good idea."

"Democrats need to come to the table," Treadwell said in a statement to
The Hill. "While we should try to repeal ObamaCare now, the best chance of repeal is when Republicans take control of the Senate and voters replace Senators like Mark Begich [D-Alaska] that originally voted for ObamaCare."

Source: The Hill on 2014 Alaska Senate debate
Sep 22, 2013

Mead Treadwell:
Repeal ObamaCare by winning back Senate

Nearly every Republican candidate running for Senate in 2014 backs the GOP's push to use the threat of a government shutdown to defund ObamaCare--a sign of how popular they believe the plan is with conservative primary voters.
Those supporting the GOP strategy include Alaska Tea Party candidate Joe Miller (R).

Two notable exceptions are former South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) and Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Mead Treadwell (R), who have not fully embraced the efforts.
Treadwell, who is facing Miller, said he supports "any attempt to defund and repeal ObamaCare" but that "shutting down the government is not a good idea."

"Democrats need to come to the table," Treadwell said in a statement to
The Hill. "While we should try to repeal ObamaCare now, the best chance of repeal is when Republicans take control of the Senate and voters replace Senators like Mark Begich [D-Alaska] that originally voted for ObamaCare."

I am pleased U.S. District Judge Vinson recognized that the Congress reached beyond its constitutional authority into the lives and freedom of Americans. While I am concerned about rising health care costs, solutions have to be constitutional.
Because the authority of Congress to enact the mandatory health insurance provisions has been ruled unconstitutional, I urge the federal government to suspend all efforts to implement these provisions until the U.S. Supreme Court decides the issue.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5638
Oct 22, 2011

Sean Parnell:
Alaska does not want government mandates in health care

Supporters of government mandates in health care want Alaskans to conclude that if we don't take the federal money that somehow we are not moving forward with health care initiatives in this state. That is false.
The federal government's 'one size fits all' health care mandates may have ended with the Florida court decision, but we will continue working to reshape our health care system to fit the unique needs of Alaskans.

Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5659
Oct 22, 2011

Sean Parnell:
Federal health care legislation diminishes our freedom

Federal health care legislation would force Alaskans to purchase health insurance, and tax us for years before the benefits are obtained. And it cuts Medicare to our seniors. This is bad policy. It diminishes our freedom.

For these reasons,
I have asked our attorney general to review and make recommendations for action, and I have joined many other governors in urging Congress to take a breath, listen to the people and do what is right.

Source: Alaska 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 20, 2010

Sarah Palin:
Greater competition, more choices, and less litigation

In this chamber, we share a commitment to serious health-care reform. We've learned from experience that all the answers do not come from Washington. When Congress turns to health-care reform this year,
we look to our delegation to make the case for greater competition, more private sector choices, and less litigation in the health-care market. But we're not going to wait. Here, reform can move forward without delay.

Source: Alaska 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 22, 2009

Sarah Palin:
Health Care Commission recommends habits against obesity

We have alarming levels of heart disease, diabetes, childhood obesity--and all of these maladies are on the rise. Now, I won't stand here and lecture--for very long--but health care reform on an individual basis is often just this simple: we could save
a lot of money, and a lot of grief, by making smarter choices.

It starts by ending destructive habits, and beginning healthy habits in eating and exercise. In my case, it's hard to slack when you have the ever-present example of an Iron Dogger nearby.
But many of us could use a little more time in our great outdoors--and when you live in the Great Land, there's no excuse.

Protecting good health is largely a matter of personal responsibility, but government policy can help.
Our new Alaska Health Care Commission will recommend changes that affect the well-being of Alaskans far into the future.

Source: Alaska 2009 State of the State Address
Jan 22, 2009

Sarah Palin:
Signed up as organ donor; Alaska leads the states

Gov. Palin today applauded the milestone that more than half of Alaska residents--335,033 people--have signed up to be organ and tissue donors. Alaska is the first state with a donor registry to enroll more than half of its state’s population.
The Governor, First Gentleman and their two oldest children are organ and tissue donors.

“I am proud that so many residents recognize the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation,” Governor Palin said. “Their willingness to donate demonstrate
the selfless and generous nature of Alaskans.“

April is National Donate Life Month. Every day in April, people across the U.S. make a special effort to celebrate the tremendous generosity of those who have saved lives by
becoming organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors. Life Alaska Donor Services is the tissue donation organization serving the State of Alaska, offering the option of donation to families who have suffered a death.

Sarah Palin:
Health care must be market-and business-driven

Governor Sarah Palin today introduced the Alaska Health Care Transparency Act which will provide more effective tools to help Alaskans access affordable health care, and to ensure our health care system is responsive to changing demographics and market
conditions.

The bill would establish an Alaska health care information office to give consumers factual information on quality, cost and other important matters to help them make better-informed decisions about health care in the state.
Recognizing that health care must be market-and business-driven, rather than restricted by government, Governor Palin is proposing a repeal of the Certificate of Need program (CON). CON is a regulatory process that requires certain health care providers
to obtain state approval before offering certain new or expanded services. [Palin’s administration] concluded that the CON program does not benefit the citizens of Alaska, given the litigious environment surrounding it.

Together, let’s provide the services that our Constitution requires, constitutional services such as education, public safety, and a solid infrastructure--and let’s do them right. Let’s commit to take responsibility for good stewardship when we’re
developing our natural resources. Let’s remember that Alaskans are capable and created to work. So when government provides education and job training, every able-bodied Alaskan is expected to work and not simply rely on government to provide.
Let’s take personal responsibility in all areas of life--including health. What we consume and engage in impacts not just our personal health, but our communities too.

Let’s reign in government growth so individual liberty and opportunity can expand.
And let’s expect that every region contributes to our economy, to fulfill our promise to be a self-sufficient state made up of the hardest working, most grateful Americans in our nation.

Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008

Sarah Palin:
Doctors should manage health care, not bureaucracies

I established our Health Care Strategies Council and we’ll pursue many of their recommendations, starting with our Health Care Transparency Act, requiring that consumers get better information about prices and quality of their own care.
We will allow competition. Under our present Certificate of Need (CON) process, costs and needs don’t drive health care choices--bureaucracy does! Our system is broken and expensive. We propose, as many states have, eliminating the
CON, to increase choice and to manage rising costs. Currently nine CON lawsuits are adversely affecting consumers. Alaskans want health care in the hands of doctors, not lobbyists and lawyers.
We are considering what other fiscally conservative states have done to incentivize employers to provide medical insurance for employees, based on the free market.

Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008

Sarah Palin:
Personal responsibility & choices key to good health

Our choices often lead to heart disease, diabetes, underage drinking, drugs, violence, and abuse. Soaring health and public safety costs are sometimes unfairly passed on to others.
But more importantly, by ignoring or accepting selfish choices that cause the abuse, children, families and entire communities are destroyed. Government cannot cure all ills.
And don’t assume more laws foisted on Alaskans are the only answer--most “bad activity” is already illegal. We have got to make wise, healthy personal choices, including choosing not to ignore child abuse.
I’m counting on families, communities and faith-based groups to step up, together, to help passionately here, too.

Source: 2008 State of the State Address to 25th Alaska Legislature
Jan 15, 2008

Sarah Palin:
More affordable health care via competition

HEALTH CARE - Obviously, high medical costs are hurting Alaskans and our Medicaid budget has quadrupled in the past 10 years. Solutions to this problem are complex, and no one person has all the answers.
I look forward to working with affected parties to find the necessary solutions that will lead to more affordable health care for Alaskans.
I support flexibility in government regulations that allow competition in health care that is needed, and is proven to be good for the consumer, which will drive down health care costs and reduce the need for government subsidies.
I also support patients in their rightful demands to have access to full medical billing information.